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M.Ed. in Educational Leadership
M.Ed. in Educational Leadership

Special Education Administrator (with certification)

Graduates of this degree program who possess at least three years of teaching experience are eligible for certification as a school principal or special education administrator (with appropriate coursework) in the State of New Hampshire. Reciprocity through interstate compacts extends this certification to many additional states. This program requires previous certification in K–12 General Special Education as well as teaching experience.

Candidates are expected to develop expertise in:

  • Helping others create a vision for the future and translate that vision into reachable goals
  • Organizing a school to optimize its human and material resources
  • Bringing about positive change
  • Fostering a school environment that empowers students and adults
  • Creating budgets that are cost effective and facilitate reaching institutional goals
  • Communicating effectively with a variety of audiences and managing information well
  • Leading others in a humane and participatory fashion
  • Developing and assessing curricula and programs that address individual or group needs and are consistent with sound learning theory
  • Understanding the impact of law on policy development, decision-making, student and staff rights, and inclusionary practices
  • Establishing a link between effective staff development and evaluation procedures
  • Creating a partnership between the school and the community.

Required Courses

Master's Core Component
ED 5000 Social Behavior in a Diverse Society - 3 credits
ED 5010 Philosophy, Ethics and Education - 3 credits
ED 5030 Research Design - 3 credits
ED 5060 Theories of Learning and Cognitive Development - 3 credits

Initial Course in the Sequence
AD 5010 Organizational Leadership in Schools - 3 credits

Educational Leadership Component
AD 5020 Staff Development and Evaluation - 3 credits
AD 5300 School Finance and Negotiation - 3 credits
AD 5700 School Law - 3 credits
– OR –
SE 5300 Special Education Law - 3 credits

Special Education Component
CO 5430 Assessment and Consultation - 3 credits
SE 5760 Collaboration, Consultation and Leadership in Special Education - 3 credits
SE 6040 Curriculum Development in Special Education - 3 credits

Capstone Experience
SE 5800 Practicum in Special Education - 3 credits

Total for M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, Special Education Administration Concentration - 36 credits

Plymouth State University, 17 High Street, Plymouth, NH 03264-1595. Main Switchboard: (603) 535-5000.
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This page was last revised: 5/12/2009